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IN OTHER 
PEOPLE'S SHOES 

OR, 

A TRANSFORMATION 

A COMEDY IN ONE ACT 

Arranged for tJie American Stage 
By HAROLD SANDER 



Copyright, 1917, by 
Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation 



Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation 

successor to 

Dick & Fitzgerald 

18 Vesey Street New York City 






f 

IN OTHER PEOPLE'S SHOES 



ftf 



CHARACTERS. 



}••• 



Lucy Lindley (Mopsie) 

Mary Murray ( Wopsie) ^ . . .Pupils at Miss Wright's 

Aline Atlas (Popsie) J Boarding School 

Sally Lunn The cook 

Esther Eubank The housemaid 

Polly Potts The Jcitchenmaid 

Moira Mappe (Topsie) A prospective pupil 

Mrs. Mappe Her mother 

Time. — The present. Time of Playing. — Fifty min- 
utes. 

COSTUMES. 

Mrs. Mappe and Moira wear smart outdoor costumes. 
The Pupils wear the modern school girl dresses while 
the Cook and Maids wear suitable print dresses. 

INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES. 

Fancy dress, boudoir cap and eye-glasses for Sally 
Lunn. Bandage, fork and potato for Mopsie. Hand- 
bag for Mrs. Mappe. 

*"';/ STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

As seen by a performer on the stage, facing the audi- 
ence, r. means right-hand; L. ; left-hand; c, center of 
stage. Jf A f ST* 



©CIO 47733 

SEP -8 191/ 
*^ / 



IN OTHER PEOPLE'S SHOES 



Scene. — Sitting-room of Miss Wright's Boarding 
School. Door at l. Window (at back) practical, if 
possible. Easy chair l., between door and c. Couch 
r. Table, on which there are books, ruler, pencils, 
pen, inkstand and a newspaper. Occasional chairs 
at suitable places about the room. DISCOVERED 
Mopsie, Wopsie and Popsie, leaning out or looking 
through window, waving handkerchiefs, as in fare- 
well. 

Mopsie (coming forward and speaking with mock sad- 
ness) . A whole day and a half ! What shall we do with- 
out our dear Miss Wright ? (Sits) 

Wopsie. However shall we bear it? 

Popsie. Sisters, let's mingle our tears. (Flops down 
on Mopsie 's knee and pretends to weep) 

Mopsie (pushing her off). Oh, for goodness' sake, 
don't flop on me, you great, heavy creature. Do your 
weeping on a chair all to yourself, or else try Wopsie 's 
knee. 

Popsie (in tragic tones). Unkind minions, I'll none 
of either! Seriously, though, what are we going to do? 
How make the most of our freedom? (Stretching out 
her arms dramatically) Freedom, glorious freedom! 

Mopsie (rising and walking towards window). Oh, 
for the magic wand of a harlequin. By the way, was it 
a wand ? My brother used to call it a " Smacker. ' ' So, 
oh, for the "something" of a harlequin to transform 
ourselves into — into 

Wopsie. Into what, you absurd thing? 

3 : 



4 In Other People's Shoes 

Popsie (joining Mopsie at window and looking out). 
I do declare, there's cook at the gate talking to the police- 
man already! 

Mopsie (dramatically). Oh, happy, happy cook! 

"Would I were a cook. Oh, I say (Excitedly, and 

coining forward) 

Wopsie. Well, what's happened to you now? Out 
with it before you explode. 

Popsie. Come on, Mops, let's have the cook idea. 

Mopsie. Suppose we get into other people's shoes — 
a sort of transformation. 

Wopsie. A what ? 

Popsie. Do you mean a pantomime ? 

Mopsie. No, you geese, but something nearly as 
funny. Suppose for the whole of to-day we change 
places with the maids. 

Wopsie (sarcastically) . What a novel idea! 

Popsie. The " Mai d-of -all- work " notion is quite an- 
tique, my dear. 

Mopsie. Doubtless, my fair critics ; but forget not that 
"there is nothing new under the sun," so all we poor 
mortals can do is to polish up the old. 

Wopsie. Unfold thy hated "polish." 

Popsie (seating Iter self on coucli and folding Tier 
arms). I am all attention. 

Mopsie. Well, then, suppose we dress Sally, the cook, 
as Miss Wright, and Polly Potts, the kitchenmaid, as — 
as Wopsie 

Wopsie. Easy, easy there with my person. 

Popsie. Don't interrupt, Wops. Go on, Mops. 

Mopsie. And Esther Eubank, the housemaid, as 
"yours truly." (Makes a oow) We must make them 
act the part and do no manner of work, that is to say, 
housework, and we will take their places and do all that 
is requisite and necessary 

Wopsie. Do hurry up, Mopsie. You make us feel as 
if we were in church. 

Popsie. Oh, you "interfering parrot." 

Wopsie. Go on, finish it out. 



In Other People's Shoes 5 

Mopsie (laughing and continuing). Oh, you snap- 
dragons! Well, what about our parts. Let's settle that. 

Wopsie. I should muff the cooking, for a start. 

Popsie. Nonsense! Look at the lovely gingerbread 
you made the last time Miss Wright went away. Of 
course, there was too much ginger in it, and it was a 
bit burnt, but we ate it for all that. 

Mopsie. Suppose we draw lots for them. 

Wopsie. How ? 

Popsie. That sounds fair; but how shall we manage 
it? 

Mopsie. I'll show you. (Goes up to table and tears 
a piece of margin off tlie newspaper, divides it into 
tliree, writes on each, the other two watching her closely) 
Now, I've written "cook" on one, " kitchenmaid " on 
another, and "housemaid" on a third. I'll screw them 
up, and you, Wopsie, must throw them on the floor, and 
Popsie shall have first pick. Now, won't that be fair? 

Wopsie. Couldn't be fairer. I'll scatter; screw 
them up, Mops. (Mopsie does so, and hands them to 
Wopsie, who throws them on to the floor) 

Popsie. I have first pick, you said? (Picks one up) 

Mopsie. Now, Wops, you next. And here 's my ' ' Hob- 
son 's choice." (Picks the last one up) Now, Popsie, 
read yours aloud. 

Popsie (after reading). "Housemaid," hurrah! 
(Capers about) 

Mopsie. Now, Wopsie, reveal thy fate unto us. 

Wopsie (reads). "Cook," of course. Just my luck! 

Mopsie. That settles me for kitchenmaid, without 
reading, and I simply loathe washing up. Ugh! (Shud- 
ders) 

Popsie. I say, this is all very well, you know, for us, 
but how about the maids? We seem to be taking them 
quite for granted. 

Mopsie. I think I can answer for cook. She's up to 
fun, and always wishing for "a day out o' the smell 0' 
them stew-pans," so this will come "as a boon and a 
blessing." Suppose we call the maids up here. 



6 In Other People's Shoes 

Wopsie. "We can then unfold our plot and see how 
the land lies. 

Popsie. And I propose we each do our own squar- 
ing 

Mopsie. i ' Squaring ? ' ' 

Popsie. Well, bribing, coaxing, or whatever you like 
to call it. 

Wopsie. You mean we each pay in some form for our 
own exchange? 

Popsie. That's the idea. What a magnificent brain 
you have, Wops. (A knock is heard at the door) Come 
in, 

ENTEK Esther Eubank. 

Esther. If you please, young ladies, cook wants to 
know if there is anything you would specially like for 
dinner. Miss Wright left in such a hurry that she gave 
no orders. 

Wopsie (aside). It will be "special" when I have 
cooked it. 

Mopsie. Never mind dinner orders for a moment, Es- 
ther. Where's the kitchenmaid? 

Esther (looking slightly surprised). Polly is hang- 
ing out the tea-towels, Miss Lindley. 

Mopsie. Will you ask her to come here, Esther? 

Popsie. And come back yourself, please. 

Esther (still more surprised). Y-es, Miss Atlas. 

[EXIT. 

Wopsie (laughing). Poor Esther looks scared out of 
her wits. Now I'm going to interview the cook. I've 
got my eye on her in the garden, but I'm not going to 
give her away to the others. [EXIT, laughing. 

Mopsie. Now for blandishments, coaxing, bribing, 
and fun. Oh ! I forgot about the washing up ! 

Popsie. Thank goodness the beds are made. I've 
escaped that at least. (Knock is heard at door) Come 



In Other People's Shoes 7 

ENTER Polly Potts and Esther. 

Mopsie (to Polly). Polly, Miss Wright has gone 
away until to-morrow, and — and for a bit of fun 

Popsie (looking at Esther). Yes, for a bit of fun. 
You listen, too, Esther. 

Polly (to Mopsie). Yes, Miss Lindley, I be listen- 
ing. I likes a bit ' fun. 

Esther (to Popsie). I will say, Miss Atlas, as a bit 
o' fun doesn't come amiss to me, either. 

Mopsie ( to Polly) . That 's splendid ! If you act your 
part well, 1 11 give you — now what shall I give you ? 

Polly. I'd like that 'ere lace collar as you had on 
yesterday, Miss; but I can't act. 

Mopsie (laughing). You can act all I want, Polly. 

Popsie (to Esther). Now, Esther, I'll tell you what 
I want you to do. Come over here. (Takes Esther to 
the furthest corner of the room, and they talk to each 
other in tones inaudible to the audience, but making 
quite clear by gestures that Popsie is explaining and ar- 
ranging the fun that she wishes Esther to join in) 

Mopsie (to Polly). I want you to be Miss Lindley, 
and wear my clothes for the rest of the day. 

Polly. Me! Laws-a-massy, Miss ! (Boor is suddenly 
opened and Wopsie rushes in, almost dragging Sally 
Lunn with her) 

Sally (wiping her face with her apron). Goodness 
gracious, Miss Murray, what a madcap you are, to be 
sure ! 

Wopsie. It's all right. Cook's game — I mean quite 
agreeable! Come on, cookey dear, and dress. (Bustles 
her out again, laughing as she goes) 

Mopsie (continuing, to Polly). And I want you to 
lend me your print dress, and cap, and apron. You are 
to sit in here, or stroll about the garden, in fact, be 
Miss Lindley, and I am going to be Polly Potts, and 
wash up. 

Polly^ Now, what a pity, Miss, I 've just done all the 
mornin's washin' up. 



8 In Other People's Shoes 

Mopsie (aside). Thank goodness! (Aloud) Oh, 
have you? 

Polly. But there's taters to peel. 

Mopsie (aside). Oh, my poor hands! (Aloud) All 
right, Polly. (Popsie and Esther come forward) 

Popsie. I've told Esther, and she quite likes the idea. 
Don't you, Esther? 

Esther (clapping her Jiands sentimentally). Don't 
I just! Only fancy, bein' a lady for a whole day. I 
shall be able to finish that lovely book now, as I always 
has to hide it when I hears Miss Wright comin' up- 
stairs. 

Popsie. Well, come on, Esther, and let's get into each 
other's shoes. You must lend me your prettiest cap 
and apron. Hurry, we're losing precious time. 

[EXEUNT Popsie and Esther. 

Polly (mystified). W T hat's it all for, Miss? I'm 
blest if I can make it out. 

Mopsie. Simply this, Polly, we're longing for some 
fun while Miss Wright's away, and we're going to have 
a transformation. 

Polly. ' ' Trans-f ur-mation. " What's that? 

Mopsie (aside). Oh, gracious! (Aloud) It means a 
change, Polly, and we do so want a change. 

Polly. Oh, I see! I knows now. My last missis 
had a trans-fur-mation, but hers was false hair, as made 
old uns look like young uns. 

Mopsie (shrieking with laughter). Polly, you're a 
real treat! (Polly looks at Mopsie, and not knowing 
what else to do, begins to laugh heartily herself. Whilst 
they are laughing the door opens, and Wopsie ENTERS, 
dressed in cook's print dress and cap and apron. She 
has padded out the clothes in order to look stouter. 
She is followed by Sally, who is arrayed in all Miss 
Wright's clothes, including smart boudoir cap and eye- 
glasses) 

Polly (at first glance takes her for Miss Wright, and 
clutches at Mopsie in terror, then, taking another peep, 
she recognises cook. All laugh together). Well, I'm 



In Other People's Shoes 9 

blowed — I mean blest ! Why, cook, yer looks quite the 
lady. Why, yer looks better lookin' than the missis her- 
self. 

Sally (huffily). It don't take other folks clothes to 
make Sally Lunn a lady, an' cumparisons isn't perlite, 
let me tell yer, Polly Potts. (Stumbles over Tier long 
dress, and eye-glasses fall off Iter nose) Drat these silly 
specs. I carn't keep 'em on nohow. 

Mopsie. Come on, Polly, it's time to dress you. 
(Aside) Don't go and get cook mad, you silly. You'll 
lose that lace collar and spoil all the fun. (Hustles 
Polly out of the room and follows her) 

Wopsie (to Sally, who is seated in state in Miss 
Wright's easy -chair). If you please, Miss Wright, 
what shall I cook for dinner to-day? (All the others 
laugh, aside) 

Sally (putting on an air). Well, cook, there's them 
sausages as might do for to-day; they wants eatin' up. 
We'll have mashed taters with 'em, an' there's plenty 
o' apple sauce an' custard, tho' I likes a bit 0' cheese 
an' a onion, instead 0' sweets. (Leans back in chair, 
apparently quite satisfied with her performance) 

Wopsie (assuming cook's style). Very well, mum. 
(Aside) There'll be a " transf ormtaion " in the kitchen 
soon, I'm afraid. (Laughs to herself as she EXITS) 

ENTER Esther and Popsie, who have duly exchanged 
dresses. 

Popsie (smoothing her apron). Oh, I say! Don't I 
make a nice housemaid? What do you think, Esther — I 
mean, of course, Miss Atlas? 

Esther (simperingly) . Well, Miss Atlas — I means 
Esther — there be them as thinks I'm not amiss. 

Sally (aside). That gel's conceit sickens me. 

Popsie. I don't doubt it. All the same, it is as well 
that it isn't the baker's day for calling. (Esther looks 
a bit scared and confused. Popsie notices it and smiles) 
I must say, though, you do look tip-top. (Esther pats 
Tier hair and looks gratified) Now, get your book and 



io In Other People's Shoes 

recline gracefully on the couch — (Aside)— as I don't do. 
(Aloud) If you like, when you are tired of reading, 
you can play the piano. I think I heard you once when 
you thought I was not in the room. 

Esther (in confusion) . Oh 

Sally (breaking in suddenly). Oh, for the love o* 
goodness, Miss, don't ask her to play the pianner while 
I'm here. She only knows one toon, an' she plays it 
every blessed time you all go out. I'm sick to death 
of "Swanny River," an' I sometimes wishes as she was 
drowned in it, that I does. (Shakes her head so vigor- 
ously tliat Tier glasses fall off again. Esther starts up 
angrily, flings down Tier book, and goes up to Sally, 
but Popsie interposes, gently pushes Esther back on 
the couch, restores her book, and shakes a warning fin- 
ger at Sally) 

Popsie. Miss Wright, I am astonished at you. (Picks 
lip eye-glasses and fixes them on Sally's nose) Fancy 
speaking to Miss Atlas in that manner. 

Sally (looks taken aback for a minute, then her good 
humor returning, she laughs). Oh, lor! I forgot my 
act. I beg yer pardon, Miss Atlas. (Esther gives a 
dignified bow) 

Popsie. There, that's better. 

Sally (suddenly straightening herself). Well, as I 
am Miss Wright, I wants to know what my housemaid's 
a-standin' in my sittin '-room givin' me her impudence 
for? (Esther giggles behind her book, Popsie claps 
Iter hands delightedly) 

Popsie. A splendid return, cook. (Coughs and as- 
sumes a demure manner) I beg pardon, Miss Wright. 
Can I do anything for you before I go and lay the cloth 
for dinner? 

Sally (ivith dignity). Yer can hand me that noose- 
paper. I haven't seen it this mornin'. (Popsie hands 
her the paper, hiding her laughter as she does so, and 
goes out of the room. There is silence for a second or 
two as Sally unfolds the paper, but as soon as she tries 
to read, she makes an exclamation of vexation) 



In Other People's Shoes U 

Esther (in an affected voice). What's the matter, 
Miss Wright? 

Sally (angrily pulling glasses off). It's not Wright, 
it's all wrong! I can't read a line with them plaguey 
things. Run in the kitchen, like a good girl, an' bring 
my own specs off the kitchen mantel-piece. 

Esther (with a show of dignity). I think you are 
forgetting who you are speaking to. 

Sally (throwing down her paper in a rage). I shall 
be rememberin' in another minit 

Esther (scornfully) . You're no actress. You can't 
ever forget your kitchen ways. (Sally is in the act of 
springing up to advance upon Esther when door opens, 
and Mopsie ENTERS, dressed in Polly's morning 
dress. She is followed by Polly, who is laughing sheep- 
ishly, as though afraid of the others seeing her) 

Mopsie (laughing). Come forward, Miss Lindley. 
There's only Miss Atlas and Miss Wright here. 

Sally (as Polly advances giggling). Laws bless us! 
I wouldn't ha' knowed yer, Polly. (Mopsie shakes a 
warning finger at Sally) That is, where have you 
bin all this time, Miss Lindley? 

Polly (grinning). Please cook — I means Miss 
Wright — it took me ever so long to comb my hair to make 
this here plait. You knows, cook — I means Miss Wright 
— as I doesn't get over much time for hair-dressin \ 
(Goes over and sits on couch beside Esther, stumbling 
over Esther's foot as she does so) 

Esther (angrily). You great clumsy thing. Can't 
you see where you're a-puttin' your big feet? 

Mopsie (aside). That was "to the life!" 

Polly (hotly). Your feet ain't little uns, an' no lady 
would sit with 'er feet a-stickin' out like that. 

Sally (with dignity). Young ladies, I cannot allow 
sich carryin's on in my sittin '-room. (Mopsie steps aside 
out of view to indulge in the laughter she cannot repress. 
Polly laughs outright, and Esther giggles behind her 
book) 

Mopsie (aside). Oh, this is killing! 



12 In Other People's Shoes 

Sally (turning to Mopsie). Now, Polly Potts, go an' 
get them taters peeled, an' mind as yer don't take too 
much peelin' off. 

Mopsie. Yes, ma'am. (Aside) I'm glad to escape. 

[EXIT. 

Polly (gazing at Esther and Sally). Oh, lor! 
(Yawns) This is a slow game, an' this here belt's too 
tight. I ain't used to bein' squeezed, leastways not with 
a leather belt. I'll let another bit out. (Loosens belt as 
she is speaking) 

Esther. You vulgar creature. 

Polly. No vulgerer 'an you. Likewise a butcher is 
as good as a baker any day, so swaller that. (To Sally) 
I say, cook — I means Miss Wright — (Laughs) — how do 
yer- like bein' a lady? 

Sally. Well, Polly, — I means Miss Lindley 

(Aside) Drat it! (Aloud) I must say as I prefers 
the kitchen, particularly as it 's gettin ' nigh my time for 
a bite. 

Esther (looking up from Tier book). Some people 
can't never forget their kitchens. 

Polly (meaningly). Some folks likes ''kitchen en- 
trances" best, specially on baker's day. 

Sally Good lass, Polly! 

Esther (sarcastically) . You're lucky, cook, 'cos it's 
always "policemans' day." (Door opens, and Wopsie 
rushes in. Her hair is ruffled, her cap is hanging off, and 
she appears breathless) 

Wopsie. Oh, cook — I mean, please, Miss Wright — I 
opened the larder window wide, and then went into the 
kitchen, and when I came back I saw "Jerry," the 
black terrier, disappearing round the bushes, trailing 
all the sausages after him. I chased him until I was 
quite out of breath, but I couldn't catch him. 

Sally (starting up angrily). What did you leave the 
winder open wide enough for him to get through for, 
you jinny-hammer, you! (Aside) I promised my beau 
a bit of cold sausage for supper. 

Wopsie (tvho is about to retort, suddenly remembers) . 



In Other People's Shoes 13 

I'm very sorry, Miss Wright. (Smiles aside, and Sally 
collapses in chair, looking rather scared at her own out- 
burst. Polly puts her hand over her mouth to stifle 
her laughter) 

ENTER Mopsie. Both hands are very soiled, and she 
has a piece of rag tied round one of the fingers of 
her left hand. In her right hand she carries a fork, 
on which is stuck a potato, only half pared. 

Mopsie. I simply can't go on with these potatoes, 
cook — (Sally draws herself up and glares at Mopsie, 
who takes her cue) I mean Miss Wright. I've cut my 
finger twice, and then I put the potato — (Slyly) — I 
mean tater, on a fork, and it's harder to pare than ever. 
And look at my hands! (Wipes her hands down her 
white apron, and shudders) 

Sally. Oh, this ain't no manner 0' good. Stealin' 
sausages is too much like a trans-fur-mashun for my 
likin'! It's all very well at a panty-mime, but I'm 
a-sittin' here fair sick for something to eat, that's what 
I am! (Wopsie steps behind to laugh freely. Polly 
in a sudden access of mirth knocks Esther's book out of 
Tier hand, and rolls on the couch in a fit of laughter. 
All the others turn to look at her, and then laugh in 
sympathy) 

Polly (gasping out). Peelin' taters on a fork — oh, 
my! (Door is suddenly opened and Popsie rushes in) 

Popsie. Oh, I say ! Jerry has just come through the 
dining-room window with something long and dirty in 
his mouth. He's jumped right across the table, scatter- 
ing everything, and the tablecloth is not fit to be seen. 
(To Esther) What shall I do, or where shall I find 
a clean cloth ? 

Esther (looking up from her book). Really, Esther, 
I cannot inform you. (Goes on with her reading) 

Popsie (staggered) . Well, of all — oh, I forgot, Miss 
Atlas, sorry I spoke to you. (Laughs aside. A loud ring 
is heard at front door bell. All look filled with const er- 



14 In Other People's Shoes 

nation, and form quite a picture in their various ways 
of expressing it) 

Wopsie. Gracious! Who can that be? No one was 
expected to-day. Something must be done quickly. 
Mopsie, you got us "into other people's shoes/' so tell 
us what to do next. 

Mopsie. A true bill, Wops! Well, there's no time 
to change, and it may only be a parcel or something 
equally unimportant, so we must continue to play our 
respective parts with what courage we can muster. 
(Another ring is heard) Pops, pull yourself together, 
and go and answer the door. (EXIT Popsie) Cook, 
put those glasses on, and keep them on. You, Wops, 
clear off to the kitchen, and fasten Jerry up. (EXIT 
Wopsie) Esther, you are still Miss Atlas. Polly, for 
goodness sake get a book to hide that everlasting grin of 
yours. (Gives Polly a book) Now, play up well all 
of you, and you will get what has been promised. Now 
I'm off to the kitchen, but I mustn't leave my tell-tale 
fork here. (Picks up fork and potato, and in hurrying 
out bangs into Mrs. Mappe and Moira, who are just 
ENTERING) I beg your pardon, ladies. 

[EXIT Mopsie, hurriedly. 

Popsie (who is struggling for composure as she ushers 
in the visitors). Mrs. and Miss Mappe — Miss Wright. 

[EXIT Popsie. 

Mrs. Mappe (aside to her daughter). What nicely- 
spoken domestics. (Aloud, as she advances) I am afraid 
I am an unexpected visitor to-day, Miss Wright. You 
are Miss Wright, I presume! (Looking at Sally, who 
has half risen from her chair, and who looks exceedingly 
uncomfortable) 

Sally. Oh, no "presumin'," I'm sure, ma'am. I 
didn't expect as you'd call to-day; but sit yourselves 
down, an' welcome. (Waves her hand towards two 
chairs) 

Mrs. Mappe (looking astonished) . This is my daugh- 
ter Moira, Miss Wright, of whom I have written. And 
these young ladies? (Indicating the two on the couch, 
as she and Moira seat themselves) 



In Other People's Shoes 15 

Sally (floundering) . Oh, these is two of my other 
scholars, as lives in — I means pupil ladies — Miss Atlas 
an' — an' Miss Lindley. {During this conversation, 
Moira lias been looking curiously at the uncomfortable 
trio) 

Mrs. Mappe (looking very dubious). I must apologise 
for thus coming without warning, as it were, but we are 
going abroad a week earlier than was expected, and I 
thought it would be better to come and explain, and if 
agreeable, and convenient, leave my daughter with you 
now. (Lays hand-bag on table) 

Sally (making a desperate effort to appear at ease). 
Certainly, ma'am, an' a good idea. (Sally looks so 
very uncomfortable that Polly, who has kept her face 
hidden up to this time behind her book, gives vent to a 
giggle, at which Esther gives her an angry nudge, which 
Polly, by a look, shows that she strongly resents) 

Mrs. Mappe (aside to Moira). Moira, my child, are 
you sure we are at the right place? 

Moira. Quite sure, mother; but they are certainly 
not what we expected. (During this aside, Esther goes 
and whispers to Sally, who nods her head and looks 
relieved) 

Sally (rising and fixing her glasses, advances towards 
Mrs. Mappe). P'raps you'd like to see the room that 
Miss Wright — I means that I'm havin' got ready for 
your daughter. Esther, I mean Miss Atlas, will show it 
to you. (Esther comes forward and bows with quite 
an air) 

Mrs. Mappe (rising and speaking aside to Moira). 

We'll go and look, dear, but I certainly shall not leave 

you behind me. (Aloud) Thank you. Come, Moira. 

[EXEUNT Esther, Mrs. Mappe, and Moira. 

Sally (jumping up in a rage as soon as door is closed, 
and throwing cap and eye-glasses on table, turns to 
Polly, who is giving full vent to her laughter). I'm 
not goin' to sit here an' be made a laughing-stock for 
nobody, leastways, not for you, Polly Potts, you great, 
silly-lookin' lump 0' know-nothin ' ! I'm goin' for my 



1 6 In Other People's Shoes 

bite, an' I'm goin' to eat.it in my own kitchen, an' in 
my own proper clothes! 

Polly. Oh, lor, cook, if yer conld on'y ha' seen yer- 
self ! (Laughs again. Sally is so exasperated that she 
picks up a ruler and chases Polly round the room. 
Door opens slightly, and Mopsie, Wopsie, and Popsie 
peep cautiously in. Seeing that the visitors are not there, 
Mopsie advances, followed by "Wopsie and Popsie) 

Mopsie. Stop that row, will you! 

Wopsie. Put that ruler down, cook! 

Popsie. Who was it ? I didn 't know their names, and 
I simply had to show them in here. The drawing-room 
was locked, and the dog had made such an upset in the 
dining-room. 

Sally (who looks dishevelled). Who was it? You 
might well ask that. It'll be the sack for three of us, 
an' maybe a sudden journey for three more, when Miss 
Wright gets to know. 

Polly (shaking her head). Safe as houses, Miss. 
They've gone upstairs to see the room with Esther, but 
I thinks as they smells a rat. 

Mopsie. For goodness' sake, cook, who was it? 

Wopsie. Hurry up and tell us. 

Popsie. Yes, before they come downstairs. 

Sally. How yer do fluster a body ! It 's that young 
lady as is expected next week, an' her ma. They're 
called Map, or Tap, or somethin'. 

Mopsie. Oh, horrors ! 

Popsie. I wish we could "transform" ourselves into 
thin air ! 

Wopsie. I know Moira Mappe. Mrs. Mappe is a 
friend of my mother's; but, you see, I'd no idea that she 
was coming here. Miss Wright did not mention the 
name of the new boarder to us. She is always so close. 

Sally (pointing to Polly). That idiot did nothin' 
but giggle an' laugh, Esther was as stiff as starch, an' 
I — (In an access of temper) — I never felt such a fool in 
all my born days. I'm goin' to where I feels somebody, 
an' that's in my kitchen! [EXIT. 






In Other People's Shoes 17 

Polly (contritely). I did my best, Miss Lindley; 
but, oh, if you'd seen cook! (Tries to hide a laugh as 
sJie goes out) 

Popsie. Well, Mops, getting "into other people's 
shoes" is glorious. 

Mopsie. Well, whoever could have foreseen such a 
contretemps as this? 

Wopsie. Cheer up, Mops. If I could only get hold 
of Moira — (Gentle knock is heard, but none has the 
courage to answer. Door is slowly opened) 

ENTER Moira. Hesitates on seeing, as she thi7iks, the 
maids. 

Moira. I have come for my mother's hand-bag. She 
says she left it on the table there, and will you please 
tell Miss Wright that we shall not return. (Mopsie and 
Popsie look at each other in dismay, and go to others 
end of room, but Wopsie goes up to Moira and takes 
hold of her arm. Moira looks startled) 

Wopsie. Moira. 

Moira (with a gasp of astonishment) . Mary! What 
does this mean ? You are not a maid here ! 

Wopsie (smiling). No, Moira, not that, though I con- 
fess it looks like it. Let me introduce you to my fellows 
in this little escapade. (Motions to other two, who come 
forward) This is Lucy Lindley, otherwise "Mopsie," 
Aline Atlas, otherwise "Popsie," and — (Bowing) — Mary 
Murray, otherwise "Wopsie." 

Moira. Oh, you dears ! What lovely nicknames ! Do 
go on. 

Wopsie. Miss Wright has gone on a visit to a sick 
friend, and she is staying until to-morrow, so Mopsie 
there thought it would be lovely to get ' ' into other peo- 
ple 's shoes," so we coaxed and bribed the maids into 
changing places with us, and now, behold ! 

Moira (impidsively) . Oh, you dear wicked creatures ! 
How I should have enjoyed the fun if I had only known. 
Mother is furious, and thinks we have been tricked. 



1 8 In Other People's Shoes 

Popsie. "Where is your mother? 

Moira. Outside, in the cab, waiting for this. (Holds 
up hand-bag) 

Mopsie. This means expulsion for us. 

Wopsie. I am afraid so, Moira, and, as cook puts it, 
"sack" for the others. 

Moira {emphatically). Never! Ill tell mother all 
about it, and coax her to be "mum" to Miss Wright. 

Wopsie (flinging her arms round Moira). Oh, you 
darling! You real brick! (Popsie and Mopsie join 
hands and joyfully caper round and round) 

Moira. Nonsense! I'm only selfish. Do you think 
I would miss coming here, after seeing you all? Not 
likely ! I here and now declare myself to be " Topsie, ' ' 
and gladly make one of a wicked four, and you must let 
me take an equal share in the next escapade. Let's join 
hands and have a round on the strength of it. (They 
all join hands, and are careering round, when door is 
opened, and Mrs. Mappe looks in. She looks aghast at 
the sight of her daughter having a "ring" with the 
maids, as she thinks) 

ENTER Mrs. Mappe. 

Mrs. Mappe (advancing) . What is this? A lunatic 
asylum, and has my daughter gone mad, too? (Mopsie, 
Wopsie, and Popsie all go up stage together, but Moira 
takes her mother by the arm and looks coaxingly at her) 

Moira. Mother, darling, it's only a bit of fun, after 
all. 

Mrs. Mappe (shaking Moira off). I see nothing but 
madness in this place. Come away at once, Moira. No, 
I won 't listen to you ! 

Moira (touching her mother's cheek). Yes, you will, 
mother o' mine. You know what you've told me about 
your own schooldays? (Mrs. Mappe 's face softens) 
The real Miss Wright is away until to-morrow, and the 
girls who live here thought they would like to be "in 
other people's shoes" for a change, you know, dear, and 



1 



In Other People's Shoes 19 

that's all, only that the cook there — (Pointing to Wop- 
sie) — happens to be the daughter of your old friend, 
Mrs. Murray. (Mrs. Mappe looks surprised, and smiles 
as she glances at Wopsie, wlio is trying to hide herself 
behind the others) Now, dearest of mothers, be a real 
sport, and don't tell Miss "Wright, or else there'll be 
ructions, sure as pop. 

Mrs. Mappe. Moira, what language you use! Well, 
I suppose I must give in. Come here, you wicked girls. 
(They come forward, and she smiles at the comical pic- 
ture they present) 

Moira. Didn't I tell you? I knew mother wouldn't 
peach! Let's give her a round. (All join hands and 
form a circle round Mrs. Mappe, who stands in the mid- 
dle, vainly protesting, as they sing, led by Moira) "For 
she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow, for 
she's a jolly good fellow, that nobody can deny." 
(While they are singing and going round, the door is 
slightly opened, and the heads of the maids are seen^ 
peeping in astonishment at the unexpected and surpris- 
ing scene, and so surprised are they that they push the 
door a little wider, until they can be seen by the audi- 
ence, though apparently quite unnoticed by the merry 
girls, who are still going round and singing) 



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